Indiscriminate Shooting at US Independence Day Parade...At Least 6 Dead (Comprehensive)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Joselgina] On the 4th, Independence Day in the United States (local time), a mass shooting occurred during a commemorative parade in Highland Park, a suburb of Chicago, resulting in at least six deaths.

According to local media such as ABC News, the shooting took place about 10 minutes after the parade began in Highland Park, a suburb of Chicago, Illinois. So far, at least six people have died and more than 30 have been seriously or moderately injured. Police stated that the number of fatalities among the injured may increase.

When gunshots rang out, hundreds of parade participants threw down chairs, strollers, blankets, tricycles, and fled. The parade was immediately halted, and police recovered one high-powered rifle at the scene through a search. The suspect has not yet been apprehended.

The police have identified and arrested Robert E. Crimo III, a 22-year-old white male from the area, as the prime suspect and are investigating him. It is presumed that the shooter indiscriminately fired at the parade from the rooftop of a nearby building. Major foreign media reported that about 30 rounds of rapid fire were repeated twice, based on recordings from the scene.

Authorities in nearby cities including Highland Park, Evanston, and Glencoe canceled Independence Day celebrations and advised residents not to leave their homes.

The shooting shocked the nation even more as it occurred while the entire United States was in a festive mood celebrating Independence Day. Especially, it came shortly after bipartisan gun control legislation was passed following recent shooting tragedies in New York State and Texas. The legislation includes provisions allowing background checks for those aged 18 to 21 by providing juvenile crime records.

President Joe Biden issued a statement immediately after the incident, saying, "I am shocked by the indiscriminate gun violence that has once again brought sorrow to American society on this Independence Day," and expressed his determination to continue the fight against gun violence.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.